Reviews roundup – U.D.O. vs. James Robinson vs. Winter In Eden vs. Martin Turner & Friends vs. Dave Kilminster
U.D.O.
Decadent
AFM
You know where you are with an Udo Dirkschneider album. But up until his last offering, “Steelhammer”, in 2013, things had started to get a little stale. But the rejuvenation begun thing continues on this latest offering. I’m putting that down to the arrival of Andrey Smirnov and Kasperi Heikkinen on guitars, who seem to have given Udo a prod in the right direction.
From the opening salvo of ‘Speeder’, a song that recalls his days in Accept, through metal anthems like the title track and ‘Under Your Skin’, this is one of the best records Udo has put his name to in a long time. It’s got a fantastic production that punches you right in the face, but it also manages to be a little more diverse, with songs such as ‘Secrets in Paradise’ a bit different from his normal fare.
For a man in his sixties to be making metal this vital is an impressive achievement, and with his new twin guitarists firmly bedded in, this could be a big step forward for Udo and his band.
JAMES ROBINSON
Start A Fire
Perfect Heights
And it’s off to Devon now for some hippy warblings courtesy of singer / songwriter James Robinson, who once upon a time as vocalist in indie band Two Spot Gobi (no, me neither).
Now that he’s on his own, it seems like a good time to go all Jack Johnson on the world, with some summery sounds, acoustic guitars and (probably) a trembly lower lip. He’s got a good voice, and if you’re looking for something to smoke weed to at a “boutique” festival next year, then this could be your best new friend. Of course, if that is how you spend your summer, you should be shot but, sadly, I’m not in charge of that sort of thing. Yet.
‘Holes In The Sky’ is the one exception, as he reaches out into a harder edge, and it’s the best track by miles. Unless you’re a hippy and have no taste.
WINTER IN EDEN
Court Of Conscience
Firestreak Media
Thankfully, we return to the world of metal. And it’s a UK entry into the world of female fronted symphonic metal, with the third release from Winter In Eden. Yes, it’s time for some Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica type shenanigans, something I am very partial to.
They’ve been nibbling around the edges, with a cult following, but they’re aiming for the big time here, as it’s produced by Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation), mixed by Stefan Helleblad (Within Temptation), and has guest vocals by Damian Wilson (Threshold, Headspace Maiden United) and Jermain van der Bogt (For All We Know, Ayreon). Boat. Pushed. Out.
And it’s good. All the key elements are in place. Swirling keyboards, metallic riffs, ebbs and flow in tempo, and some excellent vocals from Vicky Johnson. It errs on the melodic side of things, without wimping out, and on songs like ‘Toxicate’, ‘Before It Began’ and ‘Order Of Your Faith’ they show all the signs of breaking through, while ‘The Script’ could turn into their lighter in the air live offering.
If they were from “over there” instead of darn Sarf, then they could be the next big thing. Fingers crossed.
MARTIN TURNER & FRIENDS
The Garden Party
Dirty Dog
I don’t know which side you took in the great Wishbone Ash War, but here’s a healthy riposte from Martin Turner, who got together a bunch of WA veterans for a party back in 2012. Eventhough he didn’t actually play, drummer Steve Upton was there, while Ted Turner and Laurie Wisefield both appeared on the stage.
So, that’s a fair whack of vintage WA, and Mr Turner wasmore than happy to turn back the clock for a wealth of material from the early to mid seventies. If you’re a fan, you will lap up classics like ‘Jailbait’ and ‘The King Will Come’, whilst there is also room for numbers like ‘Way Of The World’ and ‘Standing In The Rain’ alongside the odd solo number and a few tracks from his second tenure with Wishbone Ash.
Considering it was a private party, the recording is pristine, and is a delightful document of some great music and musicians.
DAVE KILMINSTER
And The Truth Will Set You Free
Killer Guitar
You might not know the name but you don’t get better regarded than David Kilminster. The guitarist has toured with Keith Emerson, Roger Waters on his The Dark Side of the Moon 2006–2008 tour and The Wall Live 2010–2013, playing the part of David Gilmour. He’s also worked with John Wetton (King Crimson / Uriah Heep), Ken Hensley ( Uriah Heep), The Nice reunion and Carl Palmer.
But when he sits down to make his own records, he veers away from the world of prog, and heads off to the sunny, seventies vibe of California silks and satins. So it’s a wee bit CSN, even a wee bit Y, replete with tasteful guitar lines and melodic vocals. And very nice it is too.
He’s a good singer, a great guitarist, and when his songwriting matches up to that, as it does on ‘Messiah’, ‘Save Me’ and ‘Stardust’, you do think he might have been better served forging his own path. An excellent release, deserving of a wider audience.
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
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